The Illinois Republican tells the (Arlington Heights) Daily Heraldthat he has a renewed sense of purpose and become more religious since the stroke in January 2012.

Kirk plans to return to the U.S. Senate on Thursday and climb the 45 steps of the Capitol. Kirk says that's something he visualized throughout his months of physical therapy.

The stroke limited movement on the left side of Kirk's body and affected his speech. He now speaks more slowly and deliberately and is expected to have a scaled-back schedule. He won't keep a packed travel schedule.